Sous Chef

NOW HIRING – SOUS CHEF

Mesa Latina Restaurant | Zephyrhills, FL

Job Type: Full-Time
Experience Required: Minimum 2 years of professional restaurant kitchen experience
Cuisine: Puerto Rican / Latin Caribbean Cuisine

Job Description

Mesa Latina Restaurant, a Puerto Rican and Latin Caribbean restaurant located in Zephyrhills, Florida, is seeking a highly skilled, experienced, dependable, and motivated Sous Chef to join our culinary team.

We are looking for a professional who takes pride in food quality, consistency, cleanliness, and teamwork. The ideal candidate must have strong hands-on cooking experience in a full-service restaurant environment, excellent knowledge of kitchen operations, and the ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced kitchen.

Previous experience in full-service restaurants is required. Fast-food experience alone does not meet our qualifications.

Experience with Puerto Rican, Caribbean, or Latin cuisine is highly preferred. Spanish-speaking candidates are strongly preferred, as bilingual communication is a valuable asset in our kitchen.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist the Executive Chef with daily kitchen operations, food preparation, and service.
• Prepare, cook, and plate menu items according to restaurant recipes, presentation standards, and quality expectations.
• Demonstrate strong proficiency operating commercial grills, flat-top griddles, deep fryers, and other professional kitchen equipment.
• Understand and consistently apply proper cooking temperatures for beef, pork, chicken, seafood, and other proteins.
• Maintain accurate knowledge of food holding temperatures, refrigeration standards, cooling procedures, and food safety requirements.
• Ensure proper food handling, sanitation, storage, labeling, and rotation procedures, including FIFO.
• Maintain consistency in food portions, flavor, presentation, and preparation.
• Assist with kitchen organization, inventory management, waste reduction, and food cost control.
• Support and supervise kitchen staff during daily operations.
• Coordinate food preparation and kitchen workflow to ensure timely service.
• Communicate effectively with the Executive Chef and other team members.
• Follow established recipes, procedures, instructions, and kitchen standards.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment.
• Assist in training and mentoring kitchen employees.
• Identify and resolve kitchen issues professionally and efficiently.
• Ensure food quality and kitchen standards are maintained during busy service periods.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years of experience working in a professional full-service restaurant kitchen.
• Previous experience as a Sous Chef, Lead Line Cook, Kitchen Supervisor, or similar position preferred.
• Strong experience with commercial grills, flat tops, deep fryers, and kitchen equipment.
• Thorough understanding of safe cooking temperatures and food safety standards.
• Knowledge of proper food preparation, handling, storage, sanitation, and cross-contamination prevention.
• Ability to prepare multiple orders accurately while maintaining quality and speed.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to work under pressure during high-volume service.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to follow directions, accept feedback, and maintain a professional attitude.
• Demonstrated leadership skills and willingness to support other kitchen employees.
• Reliable attendance, punctuality, and a strong work ethic.
• Ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required.
• Ability to stand for extended periods and perform the physical duties of a professional kitchen position.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience preparing Puerto Rican, Caribbean, or Latin American cuisine.
• Bilingual English/Spanish skills are strongly preferred.
• Previous kitchen leadership or supervisory experience.
• Current ServSafe Food Manager certification or equivalent food safety training.
• Experience with inventory control, portion management, and reducing food waste.

What We Are Looking For

We are seeking more than someone who simply knows how to cook.

We want a dedicated culinary professional who demonstrates leadership, takes responsibility, respects coworkers, follows instructions, and consistently delivers high-quality food.

The right candidate must be a team player who is willing to assist wherever needed, maintain a positive attitude, and contribute to the continued growth and success of Mesa Latina Restaurant.

Professionalism, reliability, food safety, teamwork, and cooking experience are essential.

How to Apply

Qualified candidates are encouraged to apply and provide details of their previous restaurant experience, cooking skills, and leadership background.

Location: Mesa Latina Restaurant
5327 Gall Blvd, Zephyrhills, FL

**Join our team and become part of a restaurant dedicated to authentic Puerto Rican flavors, exceptional food, and outstanding hosp